ICG Leads Rescue Operations to aid 24 Crew Members
Vinod Bhat
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is spearheading a rescue operation after the Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 developed a critical 26-degree list approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi on May 24, 2025. The ship, which had departed Vizhinjam Port on May 23 and was en-route to Kochi, issued a distress alert earlier today.
ICG initiated a coordinated rescue operation, deploying ships and aircraft to the scene of the distressed vessel. Of the 24 crew members onboard, nine have been rescued and efforts are underway to evacuate the remaining 15 crew members.
ICG aircraft have airdropped additional life-rafts to support evacuation operations. The Directorate General of Shipping, in coordination with the ICG, has directed the ship managers to arrange urgent salvage assistance.
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